Newbie from South Carolina

[sctrooperretired]

Hello from sunny South Carolina. Just wanted to let everyone know that I am a pretty good lurker. Been looking and reading this forum for quite a spell but finally decided I would register. I learned a long time ago that I was able to learn a lot more by listening than by talking….so I’m kinda quiet. A little about myself- Retired from the South Carolina Highway Patrol 2 yrs ago, after 35 years. After about 6 months of laying around on the couch watching tv, it dawned on me that I could only watch so many reruns. I had been doing photography for about 20+ years and was talked into opening a studio in the small town I live. It now keeps me busy, but one good thing…..I’m the boss and can close whenever I want. The wife retired last Friday, so now we are free to do as we please. We used to camp when we were younger and used an old Ford Econoline van that was converted into a sleeper. We did a trip through NC and TN quite a few times. We had always wanted to take a trip out west and see the country, so we decided on a tent….then I started thinking, remembering when I used to camp in a tent…hmmmm why is that water dripping right in my face and is that a BIG animal outside? Lol We then began looking at the possibility of getting a pop up. I explained to her that I was NOT going to tow a large camper. Been there done that and hated to see a tractor trailer about to pass me. I am envious of you guys and gals that can build your on but I can’t draw a straight line, even with the help of a computer, so building my own was out of the question….Did I mention, I don’t have much patience…my only short coming..NOT. I found a dealer online that sold what looks like a “reverse” teardrop. The wife and I took a road trip and fell for it at first sight. We are now going to take a “practice” run to Edisto Beach State Park on Mothers Day and if that goes well, we will be heading out west, June 1. We are planning on being gone for about a month. Soooo, that is my life story in a nutshell. Wish me luck….

[pchast]

Congratulations on your retirements.


We all have different skills. I'm just glad that you found
a camper that you can both work with.


Waiting to hear how the trip goes. Love to see lots of
pictures.

[Mary C]

Welcome, you didn't mention your name, but congratulations on your little trailer and I too am retired, and plan my big out west trip hopefully in 2015 my plan is for 12 weeks. I will get to see and meet a lot of the nicest people in the world, those from right here on this forum and the others I have found on tearjerkers and other forums. There are all sorts of organized camp outs and other gatherings. we also will do a lot of driveway camping and will see a lot of those places I have wanted to see all my life. There are lots of new camping devices and tools which can make camping easier and lots of people here can give you information for your trip. Good luck!!

Mary C.

[buckisland1950]

Congratulations on the new teardrop, I looked at those and thought they would do nicely but found a little guy for a great price and couldn't say no. We liked Edisto Beach SP but don't drink the water. They have salt water intrusion in the aquifer and it's not pleasant. Take some bottled water or go to the fire station for fresh water. Lots of gatherings of teardrops in all areas of the US with lots of friendly people. Welcome from GA......

[sctrooperretired]

Thanks for the well wishes and replies. Mary, I'm a little forgetful at times...The name is Randy. buck, I am very familiar with the water situation down there...yuck but thanks for the reminder.

[FloridaDee]

Hey! I just bought my little camper last week. Looks like we shopped at the same manufacturer.

How did you first trip turn out?

Dee

[PKCSPT]

Let me thank you for your service on the highway patrol, I appreciate that you were out there to keep me and my family safe. Had an Uncle in SC and went to visit him a couple times.

Welcome to the group.

[sctrooperretired]

Hey! I just bought my little camper last week. Looks like we shopped at the same manufacturer.

How did you first trip turn out?

Dee

FloridaDee...the test trip was great...then we left for our "most excellent vacation" on Memorial Day. We had a total blast and me and the wife are still speaking to each other. We traveled through 24 states in 26 days.

[sctrooperretired]

Let me thank you for your service on the highway patrol, I appreciate that you were out there to keep me and my family safe. Had an Uncle in SC and went to visit him a couple times.

Welcome to the group.

Thanks for the Welcome. If you get back to SC give me a heads up.